‘Absolutely Nothing Like That’: Warri Custodial Centre Debunks Izeze Inmate Support Claims
By PAULINA NZERUBE
Correctional Authorities Reject Earlier Claims
THE Delta State Correctional Centre has denied reports that suspended Delta State Commissioner for Works (Highways and Urban Roads), Comrade Reuben Izeze, has been providing financial and other forms of assistance to inmates at the Medium Security Custodial Centre in Warri.
The authorities said they have no record of Izeze paying fines for inmates, facilitating the release of detainees or carrying out any of the other interventions attributed to him since his remand.
The clarification followed reports which claimed that the suspended commissioner had remained high-spirited in custody and was supporting fellow inmates despite his legal troubles.
Those reports also alleged that Izeze planned to organise a football competition for inmates and was involved in efforts to provide water to the custodial facility.
However, correctional authorities have now dismissed the claims.
‘There Is Absolutely Nothing Like That’
The spokesperson for the Delta State Correctional Centre, Allen Illoba, rejected the reports during an interview in Asaba.
He said correctional facilities operate under established rules and regulations that apply to everyone in custody, regardless of their political office, social status or public profile.
According to him, the authorities were unaware of any instance in which Izeze had paid fines or other financial obligations on behalf of inmates.
“There is absolutely nothing like that,” Illoba said.
He maintained that correctional authorities would not permit an inmate or detainee to carry out activities outside the rules governing custodial facilities.
Illoba said the centre had no official record of the alleged interventions.
He also questioned the motive behind the reports, suggesting that those circulating the claims might be attempting to create favourable publicity for the suspended commissioner.
No Record of Payments or Welfare Intervention
The correctional spokesperson further stated that, as of Thursday, no individual had approached the facility to settle fines or financial obligations for inmates who could not meet them.
He said the centre was unaware of any financial support linked to Izeze.
“For now, nobody is showing concern for the welfare of inmates, or paid fines for some inmates who were unable to meet their financial obligations,” Illoba said.
The clarification directly contradicts claims that the suspended commissioner had facilitated the release of some inmates by paying their fines.
Illoba added that Izeze might personally intend to support inmates at some point, but said no such plan had been formally communicated to or carried out within the correctional centre.
According to him, the authorities could only speak about activities known to the management of the facility.
Custody Does Not Confer Special Privileges
The correctional authorities also stressed that every person in custody remains subject to the same regulations.
The centre said political influence or social standing does not create special privileges within a custodial facility.
The position sought to draw a clear line between Izeze’s former status as a serving commissioner and his present legal position as a remand prisoner.
Izeze remains in custody following his arraignment before a Delta State High Court sitting in Effurun.
The case concerns allegations of assault involving Simon Umudi, Senior Special Assistant to Governor Sheriff Oborevwori on Protocol.
The court also remanded Izeze’s associate, Simeon Aguariavwodo, pending further proceedings.
Suspension Deepens Political & Legal Fallout
The development came shortly after the Delta State Government announced Izeze’s indefinite suspension as Commissioner for Works (Highways and Urban Roads).
The suspension followed allegations connected to the reported assault on Umudi.
The subsequent reports about Izeze’s alleged activities inside the Warri custodial facility attracted further public attention, particularly because they portrayed him as continuing humanitarian interventions despite his detention.
The correctional authorities have now firmly rejected that account.
Their statement means that claims of inmate welfare support, payment of fines and other reported interventions currently lack confirmation from the management of the facility where Izeze is being held.
Case Continues as Centre Insists on Equal Treatment
The correctional centre’s intervention has shifted attention back to the legal proceedings against Izeze and Aguariavwodo.
For now, both men remain in custody pending further directives from the court.
The correctional authorities insist that the rules governing the facility apply equally to every detainee.
As the assault case progresses, the controversy surrounding Izeze’s alleged activities in custody has also highlighted the importance of distinguishing between claims circulating in the public space and information officially confirmed by the authorities responsible for the custodial facility.
For the correctional centre, the position is clear: it has no record of Izeze paying inmates’ fines, funding welfare activities or carrying out the interventions attributed to him since his remand.
